Just got back from our annual "nibbles" evening, which included 389 from 1996 and 2005. Very interesting. The 1996 was so beautifully broken in. Delicate, but fragrantly violet. Lovely smooth feel in the mouth and plenty of fruit left.

The 2005 was fairly OTT in comparison, and we tasted them in this order, having discussed it for a while. Very, very aromatic, almost like greenhouse flowers. Punchy in the mouth, but not too tannic or strong (14.5% I think, but seemed balanced).

A nice wine, bought while Sains had 25% off. Not my pokey little Stroud branch.

Enough people loved the Apostoles to make it worth taking. Cool pancakes used and warmed through in oven, filled, for 15 mins. Still soft and held together nicely.

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mel

Was wondering if you'd write that one up before retiring. Now, way-way-way past your BT.
Sounds like a good evening - Shezza's oven trick for the wraps worked well. Did you convert the two Mutineers ?

Talking of pokey branches - The 389 was not in the mega Sain's Sava Centre in Calcot west Berk either. Damn - I would have really liked the '04, even better if one's choosey over current years.

Of the '96 that was the harvest immediately before Fosters as we now know - Quiz time. Yes you like the violets, my 96's Pen. cabs are gone. For the 407 I detected a decline in cab quality for cigar box and subtlety around 1998, I have some left, and we shall see. Penfolds made an old Bush Vine RTW shiraz - same sort of label design, it is good, but not seen it for quite a few years in Maj or similar.

Hopefully, cos I like ole Penfolds, they are getting back to form.

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Duncan

David, who supplied the 2005, said he'd found 2 x 2004 on the shelves and had hoovered them all up.

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mel